Lawn Watering Regulations

Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect every year from May 1 to October 15.

Stage 1 water use regulations are in effect every year across the region to help conserve drinking water during the hot and dry summer months. During this time, watering lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers outside the designated days and times is prohibited. Violations may result in fines under Delta Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016. Regulations apply to all properties including single-family and multi-family residential properties and commercial, institutional and industrial non-residential properties.

With Stage 1 regulations watering is permitted at the following times:

Watering Exemption Permits

If you plant a new lawn during the lawn watering regulations and require additional watering, you can apply for a temporary watering exemption permit from the Delta Municipal Hall and the North Delta Recreation Centre. Permits are valid for 21 days and allow lawn watering seven days a week between 4 am and 9 am. Permits must be displayed in a front window. The current rate for a watering exemption permit is $56 including taxes. Proof of purchase of lawn seed or sod is required.

Nematode Treatment for European Chafer Beetle Control

Watering exemption permits are available for the application of nematodes to control the European chafer beetle. Nematodes are most effective when applied between late July and mid-August and require lawns to be thoroughly watered before and after application. Above permit conditions apply. Proof of nematode application is required (receipt for nematode purchase or notification from company providing nematode treatment service). For more information about nematodes and the chafer beetle, visit our Invasive Insects webpage.

Report a Watering Violation

Contact Delta’s Property Use and Compliance Division at 604-946-3340 to report a watering violation.

There are no restrictions for this in Stage 1. The intent of the regulation is to conserve water without causing economic hardship or affecting a business's livelihood. It is in the interest of businesses to use water as efficiently as possible, since most pay according to the amount they use.

If you have a new lawn, you may apply for a Watering Exemption Permit from the Municipal Hall or North Delta Recreation Centre. Permits are valid for 21 days and allow lawn watering seven days a week between 4 am and 9 am. Permits must be clearly displayed in a front window. The current rate for a Watering Exemption Permit is $56 including taxes.

Sprinkling regulations are meant to reduce water use in ways that do not cause serious economic hardship. Those users requiring water as part of a commercial operation are expected to conserve as much water as possible without resulting in a loss of business.

Yes. Any watering system (hose-attached sprinkler, soaker hose, in-ground sprinkler, etc.) that is being used to water a lawn is subject to watering regulations as part of Stage 1 watering regulations.

Lawns naturally become dormant and turn brown during the hot summer weather but revive quickly in the fall after consistent rainfall. A healthy lawn only requires 2.5 cm (1”) of water a week which can be applied in about one hour of sprinkling.

Tip! Use a tuna can to measure how much water your sprinkler uses. A tuna can is about 2.5 cm deep so when it’s full, you’re done sprinkling for the week.

Summer is when Metro Vancouver uses the most water (up to 60% more than the rest of the year) and receives the least amount of rainfall. Restricting water use on lawns during the summer allows the region to effectively manage water distribution during peak use. Visit Metro Vancouver’s website for more information about regional conservation.